BREAKING: “I’ve Never Met Him”: Gbajabiamila Files ₦15bn Defamation Suit Against PFIPC DG

BREAKING: “I’ve Never Met Him”: Gbajabiamila Files ₦15bn Defamation Suit Against PFIPC DG

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has initiated a high-stakes legal battle against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, the self-acclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), demanding ₦15 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements. The lawsuit, filed before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, represents the latest escalation in a controversy that has gripped Nigerian political circles since late June 2026.

In the court filings, Gbajabiamila is seeking ₦10 billion in general damages, ₦5 billion in aggravated damages, and ₦200 million to cover the cost of the legal action. Additionally, the Chief of Staff is requesting a court order compelling Adeyemi to publish a full retraction and unreserved apology in five national newspapers, alongside an order directing Adeyemi to pin the apology on all social media platforms and online channels where the disputed statements were circulated, for a period of 30 days.

The lawsuit stems from a press conference Adeyemi held on June 25, 2026, during which he made explosive allegations against Gbajabiamila. According to court documents, Adeyemi claimed that Gbajabiamila demanded a 48 per cent kickback from a purported ₦27.3 billion take-off grant approved for the PFIPC, that ₦400 million had already been paid through a proxy on behalf of the Chief of Staff, and that an additional ₦200 million was required to secure presidential approvals. Furthermore, Adeyemi alleged that Gbajabiamila was involved in the suspicious death of one Babatunde Tanimola, whom Adeyemi described as an intermediary between himself and the Chief of Staff, and that the Chief of Staff orchestrated an assassination attempt against him along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in September 2025.

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In his witness statement filed in support of the suit, Gbajabiamila categorically denied all allegations, stating that he has never met, communicated, or had any relationship with Adeyemi. “The claimant has never met the defendant, never held any meeting with him and has never authorised any intermediary, representative, agent or proxy to demand or receive money on his behalf,” the court filing stated. Gbajabiamila also denied demanding or receiving any financial benefit from Adeyemi or his associates, abusing his office or manipulating security agencies, interfering with investigations or intimidating media organisations, or having any involvement in the death of Babatunde Tanimola or the alleged assassination attempt.

According to court documents, Gbajabiamila’s legal team from Pinheiro LP, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kemi Pinheiro, issued a cease-and-desist letter dated July 6, 2026, demanding an immediate withdrawal of the allegations and a public apology. The letter was published in several national newspapers, including THISDAY, on July 7, 2026. However, rather than comply, Adeyemi proceeded to grant further media interviews, including an interview with social media influencer VeryDarkMan and an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on July 13, 2026. Gbajabiamila argued that during the VeryDarkMan interview, Adeyemi made admissions that contradicted his earlier categorical allegations: Adeyemi admitted he had never met Gbajabiamila in person, had never conducted a video call or any verification to confirm the identity of the person he believed to be the Chief of Staff, that all communications were conducted through the late Babatunde Tanimola, and that he could neither say Gbajabiamila was lying nor affirm that he was telling the truth. Despite these admissions, Adeyemi allegedly repeated the allegations during the Channels Television appearance.

Court filings also disclosed that Adeyemi is already facing a separate criminal trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/652/2026. The charges relate to allegations of forged presidential documents and forged appointment letters, which the Chief of Staff’s legal team said formed the basis of Adeyemi’s public claims against Gbajabiamila. The PFIPC itself has been described by the Presidency as not a recognised government agency, with officials stating it was established using forged documents, although Adeyemi has maintained that the council is legitimate and was listed in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The FCT High Court has directed Adeyemi, whose address was listed as unknown but who is deemed to be within the court’s jurisdiction, to enter an appearance within 14 days after being served with the originating processes. The court warned that judgment may be entered against him in default if he fails to respond within the stipulated period.

In his witness statement, Gbajabiamila told the court that the allegations had caused grave damage to his personal and professional reputation, which he had built over several decades of public service. He said the repeated publications generated widespread public discussion and prompted enquiries from friends, associates, and professional colleagues within and outside Nigeria. Gbajabiamila stressed that while public officers must expect scrutiny, the allegations against him went beyond legitimate criticism and amounted to false accusations of corruption, bribery, abuse of office, and other criminal misconduct presented as established facts. He said he deliberately refrained from responding through the media because he believed the courtroom was the proper forum for resolving the dispute.

BREAKING: “I’ve Never Met Him”: Gbajabiamila Files ₦15bn Defamation Suit Against PFIPC DG